Regional integration in South Asia has never taken off. Bhutan in the past had rued issues with pricing of electricity. The new guidelines would do well to alleviate such issues and also lead to greater connectivity at least for BBIN nations.

Key demand of the question

The question expects us to explain the recent electricity guidelines of the ministry and explain how it would boost the regional market in South Asia and discuss the benefits that it would pass on to India in terms of economic benefits and better relations with neighborhood.

Directive word

Analyze – When asked to analyze, you have to examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them as a whole in a summary.

Structure of the answer

Introduction – Discuss about the lack of integration in South Asia.

Body

Explain the recent guidelines by the ministry

Discuss the benefits that will be accrued as a result of these guidelines

Bhutan and Nepal were coaxing India to relax the non tariff barriers and these guidelines would lead to better relations

Highlight that a vision to ensure connectivity in electricity sector of South Asia was dreamt with SAARC Framework Agreement for Energy Cooperation , however the issues with SAARC came in the way

Discuss how it would be economically beneficial for India and also from the point of view of electricity security

Conclusion – Give your view on why these guidelines would help in building greater connectivity in the region and discuss way forward.